AFCON 2023: 5 countries that could spring surprises

AFCON 2023 is the 34th edition of the biennial football tournament.

By Emmanuel Okogba


No result is cast in stone in the game of football. From Zambia stunning the continent in 2012 and the likes of Gambia, Malawi, and Comoros pulling weight in recent AFCON tournaments, expect a potpourri of surprises in Cote d’Ivoire between January 13 and February 11.


With AFCON 2023 set to begin on Saturday, Vanguard looks at five (5) nations that could serve up surprises in Cote d’Ivoire

Mali

The West African nation parades several players plying their trade in top European clubs. But they have remained underachievers as a group on the continent.

The team has qualified for the last nine editions of the AFCON and earned a consecutive fourth-place finish between 2002 and 2004. In the last two editions, the team has crashed out in the round of 16.

If their past outings are anything to rely on, then Mali may cause a few upsets. There’s also a chance to exert revenge on Tunisia that denied them a place at the last World Cup in Qatar.

Gambia

Gambia is making consecutive appearances at the continental showpiece. The Scorpions surprisingly finished second ahead of powerhouse Tunisia last time out in Cameroon and (only the host in the second round).


They will expect to go a step further this time around.


Cape Verde

Cape Verde has found a way to remain relevant in terms of football in the last decade. Since their AFCON debut in 2013, the Cape Verde national football team has gradually played themselves out of the minnows categorization.

In a group that also has past winners, Egypt, Ghana and then Mozambique, Cape Verde will fancy its chances.

Burkina Faso


2013 finalists Burkina Faso will hope to go a step further in Cote d’Ivoire. The Stallions have remained in the mix when it comes to knock out football in the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON. So they have what it takes to push any team all the way.

Having finished among the final four on several occasions without getting hold of the grand prize, they are hoping to know what it feels like to lift the trophy this time around.

They have finished second, third, and fourth in previous editions.

DR Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo has, after its previous triumphs, had mixed fortunes when it relates to football on the continent.


They’ll have to negotiate their way past 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, Morocco, 2012 AFCON winners, Zambia and Tanzania in the group stage first.

The opening game of AFCON 2023 will be between host nation Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau at the Ebimpé Olympic Stadium by 9 pm Nigerian time.